Jewish Federations National Women’s Philanthropy and National Young Leadership Cabinet leaders met on Capitol Hill this week for a special briefing, speaking out against gender-based violence by Hamas. This briefing was organized by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and included remarks from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, and Ambassador-At-Large for Women’s Issues Geeta Gupta, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog and his wife, Shireen Herzog, Dr. Renana Eitan, a leading psychiatrist in Tel Aviv who has treated former Hamas hostages, several members of Congress, American Jewish leaders and actress and activist Noa Tishby. 
 

During the session, attendees heard firsthand accounts from Dr. Renana Eitan, a psychiatrist in Tel Aviv, who has treated former Hamas hostages, shedding light on the trauma inflicted by such violence. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog and his wife, Shireen Herzog, also emphasized the impact of Hamas aggression on Israel and the international community.

A highlight of the briefing was the House resolution condemning the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. This resolution underscores the need to address and condemn such atrocities.

In addition to the briefing, National Women’s Philanthropy engaged with members of Congress to advocate for further legislative action. Their efforts aim to support initiatives condemning Hamas's actions and provide aid to democratic allies such as Israel and Ukraine, while also bolstering domestic security measures to protect communities facing threats from rising extremist ideologies.

To learn more about the resolution and efforts to combat gender-based violence, click here.